JD Wetherspoon plc is looking at making a bid to acquire one of Whitby's biggest venues. JD Wetherspoon has been interested in the town for quite sometime and the Whitby Gazette understands it has now identified the New Angel Hotel as its preferred site. A spokesman for JD Weatherspoon would not comment on whether the company is looking at making an offer for the site, only saying that a site has been found in Whitby. He added: "We cannot comment on individual sites only that the company has identified one in Whitby though it is still at early stage. No bid has been made and no discussions with the owners have taken place. Whitby is a town we have long been looking at moving into but we have been waiting for the right premises." He declined to confirm that it was New Angel Hotel that Wetherspoon was looking to acquire. The company has disclosed a new 530 million debt facility, giving it the financial might to ramp up its expansion plans.

JD Wetherspoon plc reported unaudited earnings results for the twenty six weeks ended January 24, 2010. For the half year, the company reported profit of 24,375,000 or 17.5 cents per diluted share on revenues of 488,132,000 compared to profit of 17,348,000 or 12.5 cents per diluted share on revenues of 468,718,000 for the same period a year ago. Operating profit before exceptional items was 48,855,000 compared to 46,834,000 last year. Operating profit was 48,855,000 compared to 42,292,000 last year. Profit before tax was 36,218,000 compared to 25,576,000 last year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were 17.5 pence compared to 16.0 pence last year. Net cash inflow from operating activities was 30,699,000 compared to 44,004,000 last year. Purchase of property, plant and equipment was 7,804,000 compared to 4,045,000 last year. Free cash flows per share of 15.3 pence compared to 28.2 pence for the same period a year ago. Free cash flow in the 12 months to January 2010, including the second half of the last financial year, was 81.6 million, compared with 95.0 million in the preceding 12 months. The board has decided to declare a total dividend of 12.0 pence for the current financial year ending July 25, 2010. This total dividend will be paid on April 1, 2010 to shareholders on the register at March 19, 2010. Dividend cover excluding the special dividend was 1.5 times. The board has also decided to declare a special dividend of 7.0 pence, to be paid on April 1, 2010 to shareholders on the register at March 19, 2010. The company didnt pay any dividend for the year 2009.

JD Wetherspoon plc Presents at Travel and Leisure Conference, Mar-22-2010. Speakers: Keith Down, Finance Director, Company Secretary, Member of Management Board and Director.